Dorzolamide vs. Brimonidine for Glaucoma and Eye Pressure: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Dorzolamide

Alphagan P

(brimonidine)

Summary for Dorzolamide

Prescription only

Dorzolamide is an eye drop medication used to treat high pressure in the eye in people with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The dosage is 1 drop applied directly into the affected eye(s) three times per day. It's available as a generic only as the brand-name medication Trusopt has been discontinued. Dorzolamide is a sulfa medication, so it might not be the best choice if you have a serious sulfa allergy. Side effects include burning or stinging in the eye and a bitter taste in the mouth.

Indications for Dorzolamide

Treatment of high pressure in the eye in people with:

Pros and Cons for Dorzolamide

Pros

Doesn't typically cause side effects throughout the rest of your body
Can be combined with other medications
Safe to use in children

Cons

Needs to be used 3 times a day
Can cause eye irritation right after applying a drop
Not the best option if you're allergic to sulfa medications

Common Side Effects for Dorzolamide

Burning or stinging in the eye (33%)
Bitter taste (25%)
Bacterial eye infection (10-15%)
Allergic reaction in the eye (10%)

Warnings for Dorzolamide

Severe allergic reactions
Risk for eye infection (from contamination)
Risk for swelling of the cornea

Summary for Brimonidine

Prescription only

Alphagan P (brimonidine) is a prescription eye drop that helps lower pressure in the eye and treats glaucoma. It's typically applied three times a day. Some common side effects include blurry vision, slight stinging in the eyes, and headaches. Alphagan P (brimonidine) is available as both a brand name and a generic medication.

Indications for Brimonidine

High pressure in the eye caused by:

Pros and Cons for Brimonidine

Pros

Good at treating high eye pressure
Start working to lower eye pressure in as quickly as 1 hour
Can be stored at room temperature

Cons

Can cause dry mouth, headache, and drowsiness
Applied 3 times daily
Must take out contact lenses out before applying

Common Side Effects for Brimonidine

Dry mouth (up to 30%)
Red eye (up to 30%)
Eye burning and stinging (up to 30%)
Headache (up to 30%)
Blurry vision (up to 30%)
Feeling like there's something in your eye (up to 30%)
Sleepiness (up to 30%)
Small white patches on the inside of the eyelids (up to 30%)
Allergic reactions in the eye (up to 30%)
Itchy eyes (up to 30%)

Warnings for Brimonidine

Risk of worsening of low blood flow
Risk of infections (from contamination)
No soft contact lenses
Only use in the eye

Prices with our coupons for Dorzolamide vs. Brimonidine

Dorzolamide1 eye dropper / 10ml of 2%

$20.07-

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Brimonidine1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.2%

$12.62$36.99

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Dorzolamide vs. Brimonidine

Dorzolamide

Alphagan P

Summary for Dorzolamide

Indications for Dorzolamide

Pros and Cons for Dorzolamide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dorzolamide

Warnings for Dorzolamide

Summary for Brimonidine

Indications for Brimonidine

Pros and Cons for Brimonidine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Brimonidine

Warnings for Brimonidine

Prices with our coupons for Dorzolamide vs. Brimonidine

Browse medications by letter

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Dorzolamide

Alphagan P

Summary for Dorzolamide

Indications for Dorzolamide

Pros and Cons for Dorzolamide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dorzolamide

Warnings for Dorzolamide

Summary for Brimonidine

Indications for Brimonidine

Pros and Cons for Brimonidine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Brimonidine

Warnings for Brimonidine